Cherokee County, N.C., authorities have charged a former firefighter with embezzlement following a three-month investigation.
Former volunteer firefighter Brandon Scott Goforth, who gave a Hayesville, N.C., was booked on 34 counts stemming from an embezzlement of funds at a local volunteer fire department, according to a statement from Cherokee County, N.C., Sheriff Derrick Palmer said in a statement.
During an audit of funds held by the Culberson Volunteer Fire Department, several discrepancies were noticed which were brought to the attention of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Palmer said.
Authorities say Goforth converted more than $50,000.00 for his personal use.
Goforth was charged with 17 counts of embezzlement of funds and 17 counts of obtaining property by false pretense, Palmer said. Goforth was released on a $10,000 secure bond and is scheduled to appear in Cherokee County District Court on June 15.
“We appreciate the boldness and honesty of current members that brought this to our attention and glad to see the current board has and is continuing to make changes to ensure a stricter accounting procedure is in place,” Palmer said.
Anyone with information on this crime or any other should contact the anonymous tip line at 828-837-1344 or email a tip tocrime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.